Preview: Panthers vs. Blue Jackets, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

Panthers continue homestand in season's first meeting with Columbus

January 18, 2011|By Craig Davis, Sun Sentinel

Blue Jackets at Panthers

When/where: 7:30 p.m., BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise

TV: FSF Radio: 640-AM

Scouting report: This is the first of two meetings between the teams. The Blue Jackets began a three-game trip Tuesday at Tampa Bay. … Like the Panthers, Columbus ranks near the bottom of the NHL on the power play (28th, 13.1 percent) but has been effective lately, with power-play goals in three consecutive games and five of the previous eight going into Tuesday. … Tomas Vokoun, who returns in goal for the Panthers after three games on the bench, has given up three or more goals in six of his past seven starts. He has given up 13 goals in his past five games while going 2-2-1. … Going into Tuesday, Blue Jackets LW Rick Nash had points in four straight games and 13 in his past 10. … LW Chris Higgins (hamstring) and Bryan McCabe (broken jaw) remain out for the Panthers. Jackets LW Ethan Moreau is out at least a week.